If you or a loved one is suffering with a substance abuse disorder, you may already know that illegal drugs can cause serious health complications, such as cancer, heart disease, and organ failure. However, their effects extend much further than your internal health alone. Learn about some other less commonly known effects that drugs have on your body below.
Loose Skin
Long term substance abuse can cause loose skin. While skin naturally loses its elasticity during the aging process, drug use can cause this to occur prematurely. Toxins and chemicals found in drugs weaken the skin and inhibit its ability to repair itself, resulting in less elasticity.
Wrinkles
Fine lines and wrinkles are another common side effect of drug abuse. Long term substance abusers can develop wrinkles much earlier than they normally would if they had not used drugs. This occurs as a result of toxic chemicals entering the blood stream which prevent the skin from absorbing vital nutrients. Drugs also inhibit the flow of oxygen in your body which is necessary for healthy skin, normal brain function, and overall well being.
Infertility
Drugs have been linked to infertility, which is a major concern for women seeking to start a family in the future. Women who do abuse drugs are also more likely to give birth to children with serious physical or behavioral problems that can be permanent.
Memory Loss
Illegal drugs and excessive alcohol consumption can cause different types of memory loss, ranging from short to long term. They can also lead to dementia, regardless of heredity factors. Besides these serious concerns, illegal substances are also known for lowering cognitive functioning and can permanently damage the brain, resulting in life threatening conditions such as cancer.
Heart Disease
Women can develop heart disease as a result of long term substance abuse. Drugs can cause strokes, heart attacks, artery complications, and heart failure. Even if you follow a healthy lifestyle, you cannot counteract the effects that illegal drugs have on your health.
Hair Loss
Another side effect of substance abuse is hair loss. This occurs as a result of essential nutrients and healthy amounts of oxygen being inhibited by harmful chemicals found in substances. Thinning and breakage can also occur and tend to happen before balding begins.
From hurting your vital organs to premature aging, drugs take a serious toll on your health. The easiest way to avoid these side effects is to simply not use illegal drugs in the first place or start your journey towards recovery with a women cocaine rehab facility as soon as possible.